Over 1,100 exhibitors and represented companies from 41 countries. Gardabags unveils a new look, doubling both its exhibitor count and exhibition space. A focus on retail innovation, consumer trend analysis, market insights and in-depth discussions on tariffs and globalisation.
Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags, opening today for their 103rd edition, reaffirm their role as the essential international hub for understanding and doing business in an increasingly complex market.
To whet the appetite, we start with figures that highlight a broad and diverse range of collections, along with expanded exhibition space made possible by the completion of the exhibition district’s initial redevelopment phase. But the main course is the debut of the renewed Gardabags and its brand-new format. And the following courses don’t disappoint either: innovation, trends and market insights. For dessert, there’s no shortage of informal business opportunities during unforgettable evening events.
The table is set for the 103rd edition of Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags – a menu full of opportunities, perfect for a market hungry for new ideas, information, competitive advantages and perhaps even a few certainties.
COLLECTIONS & INFORMATION
From 14 to 17 June, Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags will, as always, offer industry professionals an exclusive preview of rich spring/summer 2026 collections and much more, as highlighted by Alessandra Albarelli, General Manager of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi: “We have many information-focused events lined up, including our regular appointments with latest trends in the Highlights Area (Hall A2), and economic insights in the Market Focus sessions. We’re continuing to explore the frontiers of new technologies for the distribution sector at the Innovation Village Retail, located between Halls A2 and B2. And we’ll also take time to enjoy ourselves with Expo Riva Nights, an evening set to feature the captivating live performance of ‘La Notte della Taranta’.” The 103rd edition will also be an occasion to celebrate important milestones, such as the 40th anniversary of ASSOPROV – the Footwear Sales Promoters Association – whose representatives are exhibiting in Hall D.
THE NUMBERS DON'T LIE
“Once again, international buyers will enjoy an unmatched selection in terms of variety, quality, price and global reach,” says Roberto Pellegrini, Chairman of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi.
“There are over 1,100 exhibitors, brands and represented companies, occupying 11 halls and 4 hotels, covering a total of 51,400 square metres. Among these, nearly 400 exhibitors are from China, around 200 from Italy’s main production
districts, and 104 from Turkey.”
The exhibitors come from 41 countries (40% from Europe and 60% from the rest of the world); this year marks the first-time participation of companies from Singapore, Hungary and Ukraine, as well as the return of a manufacturer from Mexico.
A particularly noteworthy figure is the presence of 202 companies exhibiting for the first time – a number ensuring the right balance between continuity and fresh offerings, something every buyer looks for.
Riva del Garda will also welcome several prestigious brands, including: Ipanema, Dogo, Ska, Armata Di Mare, Inblu, Gianmarco Venturi, Goldstar, Valleverde, Primigi, Savana, Aco Shoes, Suave, Xti, Refresh, Carmela, Camel Active, S. Oliver, Tamaris, Lotto.
Pellegrini continues: “Our fair is proving to be an increasingly effective antidote to the ongoing challenges facing the market. To strengthen our role as a leading hub within the market for international trade, I can confirm that over the next three years, we will begin works to expand and renovate the exhibition district, adding an extra 20,000 square metres of space, enabling us to host even more exhibitors.”
Forecasting buyer turnout is never an easy task, but one thing is certain: 165 hosted buyers from 28 countries – split evenly between Europe and non-European markets – will be attending Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags for the first time. These include representatives from major retail chains, independent distributors and e-commerce platforms. Many of them are particularly interested in the expanded selection of accessories, bags and travel goods on offer this year.
A major success, as highlighted by Matteo Masini, Head of the Consumer Goods Office at ICE – (ITA - Italian Trade Agency): “Despite the challenging international climate and the trend towards regionalisation of trade, it’s a remarkable achievement to have brought so many buyers from all over the world to Riva del Garda. Our collaboration with the fair is so strong and effective that we can already confirm our incoming initiatives will continue into 2026.”
Also present are key institutions from across the industry – including, for the first time with its own stand (A2-B22), the Chengdu district delegation (Sichuan), a crucial player on the international footwear scene, particularly in the women’s segment.
One final figure worth noting: eight start-ups from seven different countries are featured in the Innovation Retail Village.
GARDABAGS
Described as the main course of the event, the newly imagined Gardabags makes a strong impression, having doubled its exhibition space to 1,500 m2, doubled the number of exhibitors and tripled the interaction areas between buyers and exhibitors.
Now spread across Halls A2 and B2, Gardabags is a standalone event in its own right, while still maintaining full integration and synergy with Expo Riva Schuh.
Its innovative format is purposefully designed to foster meaningful encounters between exhibitors and visitors. The exhibition area is divided into three distinct zones: Gardabags Sourcing dedicated to manufacturers and traders in the mass-market and discount segments; Gardabags Sourcing4Bridge for companies seeking customised designs to be interpreted and developed, or private label production; Gardabags Brands, showcasing businesses with their own branded products and collections.
For each area, operators have been selected based on how well they represent a specific value chain, ensuring a strong and balanced mix of offerings.
Each stand also features an Identity Board to help buyers quickly assess the main characteristics of potential suppliers.
THE FAIR AND THE COMMUNITY
The Riva del Garda fair serves a dual purpose: to promote international trade in footwear and accessories, and to generate a positive impact on the local Alto Garda area. Both missions are being successfully fulfilled, as also recognised by local institutions.
According to Alessio Zanoni, the newly elected Mayor of Riva del Garda: “The event brings people from all over the world together – right here on Lake Garda – to collaborate, connect and engage in dialogue, even as many forces seek to stir up division and conflict.” A similar sentiment was echoed by Simone Marchiori, Councillor for policies related to housing, assets, public domain and the promotion of knowledge about the autonomy of Trento: “Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags are deeply rooted in the community, with a strong capacity for innovation and renewal. They offer Trentino an increasingly solid and visible presence on the international stage.”
MARKET: TARIFFS & GLOBALISATION
Following the opening remarks by local officials, a moment of in-depth reflection came with the keynote speech by Enrico Cietta, Chair of the Scientific Committee of Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags.
In his opening talk, Cietta provided a sharp and insightful analysis of the changes and forces currently reshaping the footwear market, focusing in particular on the significant impact of international tariffs. As the economist explained, tariffs have not halted globalisation but have instead redirected its course. The notion of “deglobalisation” has proven misleading; what we are witnessing is a reconfiguration of global trade into a more structured “regional globalisation”. This shift has brought logistics and geopolitics to the forefront, now increasingly outweighing the traditional competitive advantages based solely on production costs.
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